- [Announcer] DBHDD and the Governor's Red Ribbon Campaign is all about Georgians standing together for substance misuse prevention.

Life is a movie.

Film drug-free.

Learn more about healthy alternatives and live a drug-free lifestyle at GARedRibbon.org.

(upbeat music) ♪ Hey, hey ♪ ♪ Hey, hey ♪ ♪ Hey, hey ♪ ♪ Hey, hey ♪ ♪ Hey, hey ♪ ♪ Hey, hey ♪ ♪ Hey ♪ - Cheer fans, it's the moment you've been waiting for since our last show in November 2022.

After a year on the sidelines, GPB Sports is back on the mat with our peak performance, highlights from the annual GHSA Cheerleading State Championships.

Hi, I'm Ashley Mengwasser.

- I'm Chelsea Tafoya.

You know, we're like sleeping giants, although I doubt anyone would say that based off of our size, but we are cheer giants, cheer lovers, nonetheless, did you see me doing my thing during intermission?

- Did I see you?

I couldn't look away, Chelsea.

Sleeping giants, that's a great metaphor, but it wasn't beauty sleep for me, honestly.

I had to drag myself out of bed the morning after the championships.

Suffice it to say, I'm out of practice.

- Really?

I feel like a born again cheerleader over here.

I caught the spirit.

It cannot be tamed.

- Well, that's my co-host.

- Mm-hmm, and as can be expected, from our 2023 sabbatical, I notice some abnormalities.

Get this, Classification 7A disappeared altogether.

- Gone girl, gone.

- Poof!

And there's more.

A has been subdivided into A, Division I, and A, Division II.

- That's right, but despite the changes, it all still classifies as jaw-dropping competition.

Let's kick off our state greats, not to be confused with great states, highlight reel by making the top teams in the Private Classification very public.

The GHSA last held a contest in private back in 2021, but I was delighted to see a familiar squad stick a first-place landing.

Let's watch.

♪ We are Mount Vernon ♪ ♪ Mustangs never stop ♪ ♪ That gold is what we need ♪ ♪ We need it outta the way ♪ ♪ 'Cause blue and white gonna cause a stampede, yeah ♪ ♪ Like a G6, like a G6 ♪ ♪ Now I'm doing something ♪ (upbeat music) ♪ Rock it ♪ ♪ Mustangs ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Mustangs ♪ ♪ Just throw your hands in the air ♪ ♪ Just throw your hands in the air ♪ ♪ Just throw your hands in the air ♪ ♪ Mustangs ♪ ♪ Raise up, we go down, point path clear ♪ ♪ Straight up to the top ♪ ♪ We're never We have coming down ♪ ♪ 'Cause we can't be stopped ♪ ♪ NCC Eagles ♪ ♪ Go now ♪ ♪ I'm letting you go now ♪ ♪ So I've got control now ♪ ♪ I lost my life now I'm spinning out of ♪ ♪ Don't drag me down 'cause I'm over you ♪ ♪ Always stronger now on higher ground ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ NCCS, we are best ♪ - [Britney] Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please ♪ Oops, I ♪ ♪ Oops, I ♪ ♪ Oops, I did it again ♪ ♪ I played with your heart ♪ ♪ Got lost in the game ♪ ♪ Everybody's talking all this stuff about me ♪ ♪ Why don't they just let me live ♪ ♪ I don't need permission, make my own decisions ♪ ♪ That's my prerogative ♪ ♪ Some day and yesterday ♪ ♪ Something about Saturday ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Some cold day ♪ ♪ We didn't find it hard to do ♪ ♪ There's nothing that you can do ♪ ♪ When we choose our friends ♪ ♪ You best get outta the way ♪ ♪ Some cold day ♪ ♪ We're like a G6, like a G6 ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Hey ♪ ♪ Hey ♪ ♪ Hey ♪ ♪ Cat got your tongue ♪ ♪ Here comes the fight ♪ ♪ Ready for a knockout ♪ ♪ Don't let any get out ♪ ♪ Can't nobody beat us ♪ ♪ We take no ♪ ♪ You really think you got what it takes ♪ ♪ Oh, no ♪ ♪ You're not in the competition now ♪ ♪ It's about being the ring, girl ♪ ♪ A left hook, right hook to your mouth ♪ ♪ Take the combination ♪ ♪ Take it jelly on the floor ♪ ♪ Round one, round two ♪ ♪ Knock 'em out on the floor ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ But I guess you don't know tough ♪ ♪ I'm never gonna back down ♪ ♪ You haven't been the first one to show me down ♪ ♪ You're like the winners ♪ ♪ All these contenders ♪ ♪ Are we looking like pretenders ♪ ♪ Winners ♪ (audience cheering) ♪ Let's go ♪ ♪ What you know about me ♪ ♪ What you, what you know about me ♪ ♪ MPC ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Eagles ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Nothing to lose ♪ ♪ Fire away, fire away ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Go, Eagles ♪ (audience cheering) - [Announcer] Your Private Division State Cheerleading Champion, Mt.

Paran Christian!

(audience cheering) - Joining me now are the Private Champions, Mt.

Paran.

This is a big deal.

This is your 13th consecutive title.

Coach Ray, congratulations.

- Thank you.

- What is the routine behind the routine?

Something's clearly working at Mt.

Paran.

- I would say it's definitely these ladies' commitment to excellence.

They give up so much time during the summer, during the fall.

I mean, there's just things they have to say no to in order to say yes to this and I'm just so proud of all their hard work and dedication and we're just trying to keep the dream alive year after year.

- You are keeping it alive.

Going for 14, potentially.

- Yes, ma'am.

- AK, what do you want the world to know about this squad?

- This team is just so special.

I mean, we started off the year going through a bunch of adversity and just, most importantly, we just give all the glory to God and we just perform every single year for the audience of one and we're just so special and I just love this team so much and I couldn't be more proud of them.

- We love your team too.

I hope you'll take that giant cup to QT and see if you can get free refills.

- Yeah!

- I'm not sure if you will, but it's worth a try.

Congratulations, Mt.

Paran.

- Thank you.

(team cheering) - Mt.

Paran Christian's win is unprecedented in GHSH Cheer history, and they did it with a points total of 103.5.

There were only seven Private competitors and the results went like this.

On Mt.

Paran's tail in second, Savannah Christian with 97 points, Hebron Christian Academy placed third, then North Cobb Christian.

That's 13 consecutive titles for Mt.

Paran.

Their children's children will be talking about this, Chelsea.

- Absolutely, their children and my child.

What's up, baby girl, I miss you.

Next up, Class A Division I.

This class is new to me, but like the exotic wild, the cheer species evolved and adapted to a new environment.

There was hooting, there was roaring, but some other wicked talent took the top spot.

Take a look.

♪ Let's go, let's go ♪ ♪ Here we go, here we go ♪ ♪ It's about time to set it off ♪ ♪ Oh ♪ ♪ Here we go, here we go ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ We are working my team ♪ ♪ Shaking the ground ♪ ♪ That's why I came ♪ ♪ It's something to raid ♪ ♪ Know their name ♪ ♪ Nothing can stop me ♪ ♪ I can't be contained ♪ ♪ It pulls in ♪ ♪ I'm legendary ♪ ♪ We are ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Hold on ♪ ♪ This is how legends are made ♪ ♪ We all know it's our turn ♪ ♪ Going up, you see it's elevated ♪ ♪ Take a seat, watch and learn ♪ ♪ This is how legends are made ♪ ♪ Attention, soldiers ♪ ♪ It's time to subdue ♪ ♪ Model high school baby ♪ ♪ You don't want this crew ♪ ♪ Legends, we are everywhere ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ If you survive ♪ ♪ Locked in for more ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Look at freedom ♪ ♪ Don't look like they're never going away ♪ ♪ We're never gonna change ♪ ♪ But when it's all said and done ♪ ♪ There's more to be won ♪ ♪ Oh ♪ ♪ Let's get unpacked and lock the door ♪ ♪ Now it's time we hit the road ♪ ♪ Destination Indian Nation ♪ ♪ Vidalia Indians ♪ ♪ I hope y'all ready to stress now ♪ ♪ Raising in another spot ♪ ♪ CHS ♪ ♪ 'Cause right now ♪ ♪ I'm loving ♪ ♪ Vidalia ♪ ♪ I opened the door ♪ ♪ Now I'm high off the ground ♪ ♪ Now I let it all out ♪ ♪ I'm ready to take the world by storm ♪ ♪ This is the dream that I have ♪ ♪ Vacation, meant to be spent alone ♪ ♪ One by one, team ♪ ♪ One turning one dream ♪ ♪ Indians ♪ - [Announcer] Welcome aboard Armuchee.

♪ It's time to begin ♪ - [Announcer] Please, make your way to your seats.

(singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ From the front to the back ♪ ♪ Do it right where you at ♪ ♪ Do it right where you at ♪ ♪ We take it all ♪ ♪ We be taking flight, taking flight ♪ ♪ If you want it, just say it right ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ So strap in tight ♪ ♪ 'Cause we gonna take a drive ♪ ♪ The prize anyway ♪ ♪ We're soaring through the air ♪ ♪ Seatbelts ♪ ♪ Get ready for the fight of your life ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ They reached the top ♪ ♪ Blue and white everywhere ♪ ♪ This is what we do ♪ ♪ We ain't never coming down ♪ ♪ Bremen Blue Devils ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ That's what you get for waking up in Vegas ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ It's a new sound track ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Welcome to the young ♪ ♪ It's been waiting for you ♪ ♪ Welcome to the young ♪ ♪ Welcome to the young ♪ ♪ Bremen ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ We are back and ready to go ♪ ♪ That's all we really want ♪ ♪ Some fun ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Trojans ♪ ♪ Good girls gone bad ♪ ♪ I'm where the good girls go ♪ ♪ Trojans ♪ - [Announcer] You're single A, Division I State Cheerleading Champion, Bremen!

(all cheering) - We've got a whole new classification here, A, Division I, and it is your champions, Bremen High School.

Let's hear it for you guys.

(teams cheering) Coach Taylor, Coach Jessica, congratulations.

- Thank you.

- We are so super excited for you.

You guys created an entire new skill level of acrobatics out there.

Talk to us about that routine.

What went into it and how proud are you of your girls?

- Oh my gosh, we're so proud.

You know, our goal is to just get 1% better every single day and peak at the right time and they did that.

We got 1% better in the warmup room today, came out confident and just trusting our teammates and that's all that we ask for.

- Absolutely, you gotta have trust, right?

Molly, Kate.

- Yes, ma'am.

- Talk to us about the energy and the theme of this team.

- The theme of this team that we really focused on this year is for each other, with each other because our high school has gone through so much, especially this class, and we have learned that there is something way more important than just each of us individually out there and our skills.

It's about lifting each other up when we're out on the mat and encouraging each other to all do our best.

- Amen, and those are all things that you guys are gonna carry on for years to come, but right now we're in celebration mode, so I'm gonna step on out and let y'all celebrate.

(team cheering) The Bremen Blue Devil's fiery performance prevailed and I was tempted to burst into passionate flames with them.

This is Bremen's first victory in 18 years.

The first-ever tweet was published on Twitter that year, for goodness sakes.

Winning by only 1.5 points, Bremen scored 99.5.

Congrats to our second place, Gordon Lee's Trojans with 98, Vidalia placed third with 86, followed by Toombs County, Armuchee and Model.

All right, let's pause our performances for a brief moment of a message from our sponsors.

- [Announcer] DBHDD and the Governor's Red Ribbon Campaign is all about Georgians standing together for substance misuse prevention.

Life is a movie.

Film drug-free.

Learn more about healthy alternatives and live a drug-free lifestyle at GARedRibbon.org.

- Moving on to Class A, Division II, another short roster with only eight teams competing, and like this classification is in its infancy, so too is our victor's presence in the Hall of Champions.

In true newborn fashion, we all cried like babies over this win.

Check it out.

(upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Get that go, all the way ♪ ♪ Red and black, call it in ♪ ♪ Everybody who the soldier's say ♪ ♪ There ain't no going back, we're on our way ♪ (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) ♪ Your team for tonight's score ♪ ♪ For the W-I-N ♪ ♪ That's why they call us winning ♪ ♪ And win that drum hits again ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Baby, this is how we do it ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ This is how we do it ♪ ♪ This is how we do it ♪ ♪ This is how we do it ♪ (upbeat music continues) ♪ STHS ♪ ♪ Tell you what I want, what I really, really want ♪ ♪ Tell me what you want, what you really, really want ♪ ♪ My loneliness is killin' me, and I ♪ ♪ I must confess I still believe, still believe ♪ ♪ When I'm not with you, I lose my mind, give me a sign ♪ ♪ Hit me, baby, one more time ♪ ♪ If you wanna be with me ♪ ♪ Baby, there's a price to pay ♪ ♪ I'm a genie in a bottle ♪ ♪ Tell you what I want, what I really want ♪ ♪ What I really want ♪ ♪ You're playing arcade now ♪ ♪ Come down to that county and challenge the game ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Screven County ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Screven County ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ There's no denying ♪ ♪ There's hearts that won't stop crying ♪ ♪ And turn into a place ♪ ♪ You better know the name ♪ ♪ Cock a doodle do, it's time to wake 'em up ♪ ♪ LOA, come together now 'cause we are are one ♪ ♪ One LOA ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ LOA, we are Titans, we are strong ♪ ♪ We are loud, gonna do what they can, gonna be proud ♪ ♪ Give me the power ♪ ♪ Hope you're waiting for ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Bigger, smarter ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ We are one and we'll stick together through and through ♪ ♪ If we take you out it's 'cause ♪ ♪ Everything we touch turns to pure gold ♪ ♪ Land of the the free, home of the brave ♪ ♪ Someone lead the way ♪ ♪ Live it up in the USA ♪ ♪ Do you what you do can be great ♪ ♪ I can do my thing ♪ ♪ I feel so free ♪ ♪ Feel so free ♪ ♪ Tigers ♪ ♪ In the USA ♪ ♪ Now the sun don't shine and look that way ♪ ♪ Just another day in the USA ♪ (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) ♪ I'm ready to go ♪ ♪ I'm ready to conquer the world ♪ ♪ I'm ready, I'm ready to go ♪ ♪ It's you and me ♪ ♪ There's nothing like this ♪ ♪ We're right, that's right ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ What in the world ♪ ♪ What in the world ♪ ♪ What in the world ♪ ♪ What in the world ♪ ♪ What in the world ♪ ♪ What in the world ♪ ♪ Are you ready ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) - [Announcer] Your single A Division II State Cheerleading Champion, Lake Oconee Academy!

(audience cheering) - I'm standing with the first ADII Champions in cheerleading history.

Congratulations, you guys.

- [All] Thank you.

- That is such a huge feat.

You're first-timers, Coach Brakebill.

Tell us, who is this team?

Who is Lake Oconee Academy?

- Well, first of all, we are so, so, so excited.

This is our sole senior leader, Thea Smith.

We are so grateful to have her leadership this year.

She has been with the program from the very beginning, so we will definitely miss her and her contributions, but that means we're a young team, so we're ready to come back next year and do it again.

- And get your second title, potentially.

Thea, what do you love about this sport?

Tell the people watching.

What is remarkable about cheerleading?

- Gosh, I can't even put it into words.

I've been doing cheerleading since I was young and it's just taught me so much like as a person and to accept people as a team because it's hard to work with people as a team and I've learned how to do that and I couldn't have done it without these girls.

- [Ashley] It's especially hard in 2 1/2 minutes, right?

- Exactly, all that work only for 2 1/2 minutes.

- Congratulations to our first ADII Champions, Lake Oconee Academy.

(team cheering) Chelsea, I'm pretty sure Lake Oconee is now full with Lake Oconee Academy's cheerleaders' tears of joy, and mine.

I'm a sympathy crier.

With a score of 89 LOA snagged the top of the birth order of Class A, Division II Champions.

Six points behind was Screven County with a score of 83.

Metter met them at third, Trion got fourth, and Schley County and Irwin County ranked fifth and sixth of only eight teams competing.

Chelsea, let's double the emotional impact and slide into AA.

- Listen, don't threaten me with a good cry, I'm down.

AA felt like I was looking into a glass ball.

I saw one particular performance that gave me a vision of a champion.

- Ooh.

- And sure enough, that team grabbed the gold.

Hint, it wasn't AA defending champs Mt.

Paran Christian who competed in Private this year.

They call me Chelsea for a reason.

Now see for yourselves.

(upbeat music) ♪ Let's go, girls ♪ ♪ Let's go, let's go ♪ ♪ Let's go, girl ♪ ♪ Let's go, girl ♪ ♪ Lets go, girl ♪ ♪ We are ♪ ♪ That's all they really want ♪ ♪ Some fun ♪ ♪ When the working day is done ♪ ♪ Oh girls, they wanna have fun ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Let's go, let's go, girls ♪ ♪ Let's go, let's go ♪ ♪ Venus Nation ♪ ♪ It's a Morgan County legacy ♪ ♪ Bull Dogs be our tradition and we're building on it ♪ ♪ Anything to rise up, gonna try ♪ ♪ And we go it ♪ ♪ These Bull Dogs change the game like this ♪ ♪ Gonna have to teach old dogs new tricks ♪ ♪ Building a legacy ♪ ♪ That is the goal ♪ ♪ That is better than gold ♪ ♪ I feel on top of the world ♪ ♪ You're all out on me ♪ ♪ You're supernatural ♪ ♪ I'll spread my wings and fly ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Causing a commotion ♪ ♪ This is our moment, let's just build ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ C-O-L-T-S ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Tell me how to get so far ♪ ♪ Tell me how to get so far ♪ ♪ Tell me how to get so far ♪ ♪ Tell me how to get so far ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Fight ♪ ♪ You are clear for takeoff ♪ ♪ Buckle up and prepare for the journey of your life ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Fasten your seat belts ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ It's fight or flight ♪ ♪ The bears choose both ♪ ♪ Let's get lost in the black sky ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ And we'll soar from the start ♪ ♪ Don't leave a spark in the sky ♪ ♪ When the night falls ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ She had a pretty face ♪ ♪ But it was in space ♪ ♪ She was brought down to Earth ♪ ♪ Oops, I did again to your heart ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ AC Warriors ♪ ♪ The type of warriors ♪ ♪ You never seen 'em battled up ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Ain't gonna slow it down for you ♪ ♪ Oh, no, what we're about to do ♪ ♪ Put on a show ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Now I'm a warrior ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Show the world we can't be stopped ♪ ♪ Nothing less, ready (indistinct) ♪ ♪ All I know is now we train ♪ ♪ Know baby we're the best ♪ ♪ Warriors ♪ - [Announcer] Your AA State Cheerleading Champion, Pierce County!

(congregation cheering) - Here we are with our AA winners.

This energy is flowing.

Now first of all, I saw a lot of y'all's baby pictures when I looked up at your audience.

Coach, talk to me about how important it is to have that audience there really cheering y'all on.

- There is no place like Pierce County.

I told the girls that earlier today that we are so lucky to live in a place and community like Pierce County.

They show up for their people.

- Absolutely, and of course Katie, you are a senior this year, super emotional.

Talk to us about how much this team and this coach has impacted you as you move forward.

- This team has been a big part of all our lives.

We've worked so hard this season.

I know we prayed all day today, probably prayed like a million times.

But one thing about this team, is we do give God everything.

We will lift His name up and we give Him all the glory for this.

- Amen, well, we see it absolutely came through so I'm gonna slide on out and let y'all celebrate.

Do your thing.

(team cheering) A big bear hug to the Pierce County Bears at number one with a nice even score of 100.

In second, KIPP Atlanta Collegiate with 92.5.

Morgan County clinches third with 86.

Ringgold's in fourth, and Sonoraville and Coahulla Creek solidified the sixth.

- Well done, Madam Chelsea, I'm impressed.

- Don't get too excited, I was totally stumped by AAA.

That's pretty much exactly why we love GHSA's sophisticated three-panel judging system.

- Oh yes, we do.

- Watch these skilled performances closely, but don't be too certain.

The winners here might just call your bluff.

♪ You better run and hide ♪ ♪ This dragon's breathing fire ♪ ♪ I am in the building and I can't be stopped ♪ ♪ No way, no way, no way ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ We had enough, you never learn ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ I'm gonna be your biggest real threat, no doubt ♪ ♪ Must we be there when I kick you out ♪ ♪ Since you've been gone ♪ ♪ I can breathe for the first time ♪ ♪ You did not break me ♪ ♪ Whitewater ♪ ♪ I'm still fighting for you ♪ ♪ Wild Cats ♪ ♪ And I'll stand up ♪ ♪ We're ready, we're ready ♪ ♪ I'm ready to go ♪ ♪ I'm ready, I'm ready to go ♪ ♪ Gonna take over the world ♪ ♪ Steady we go ♪ ♪ It's north and south so the station ♪ ♪ What's Raiders are about ♪ ♪ And I'm proud to be an American ♪ ♪ Where at least I know I'm free ♪ ♪ And I'll proudly stand up ♪ ♪ And defend her still today ♪ ♪ 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land ♪ ♪ God bless the USA ♪ ♪ Lets go west ♪ ♪ Do it for the rest ♪ ♪ Do it for the Raiders and for your boys ♪ ♪ Ready, from the top ♪ ♪ Ten hut, stand south ♪ ♪ Who loves the battle ♪ ♪ Jill is on the move ♪ ♪ We can notice who's is true ♪ ♪ H-H-S ♪ ♪ If you don't fall in line ♪ ♪ You better get prepared ♪ ♪ We ain't playing around ♪ ♪ Oh, you should be scared ♪ ♪ When you see us around ♪ ♪ We mean business ♪ ♪ Do your best ♪ ♪ Perfect general ♪ ♪ If you're not here to stay ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ That's right I'm coming ♪ ♪ Got you where I want ya ♪ ♪ Why you looking so surprised ♪ ♪ You got number one pick ♪ ♪ Predator, apex predator ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ All this rage inside ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Here in the world ♪ ♪ Here in the world ♪ ♪ Experience serious ♪ ♪ Out here in the world ♪ ♪ Can't keep up ♪ ♪ Just hit you with the sauce ♪ ♪ Every second go ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ One stop closer ♪ ♪ One stop closer ♪ ♪ One stop closer ♪ - [Announcer] Your AAA State Cheerleading Champion, Cherokee Bluff!

(audience cheering) - I'm here with our AAA, 3A Champions, Cherokee Bluff.

Give it up for yourselves.

(team cheering) Coach, I believe I heard someone say you guys did not expect this.

I know this is a wonderful thing for you guys.

What were your expectations coming into this championship?

- We just wanted a hit.

We just wanted to be proud of ourselves when we left the mat, and I think we were, I think we were.

These girls do it for each other.

That is their why and they did that today and no matter what the outcome was, we would be proud.

- Oh, congratulations and your joined, of course, by two seniors, congratulations.

What would you say to thank your coaches and your family and your teammates that you guys are gonna carry with you as you move forward in life?

- Yeah, oh my gosh, these last two weeks have been so difficult.

We've worked so hard and came together as a team and I couldn't be more thankful for y'all.

- And yeah, like they prepared us like to the best that they could have and obviously it worked and I like couldn't be more thankful for both of them.

- Congratulations, Cherokee Bluff, first time champions.

I know y'all are gonna celebrate.

Let's see some of that celebration.

(team cheering) Cherokee Bluff, where have you been all our lives?

Going neck and neck with West Laurens in the points.

A tiebreaker ultimately put Cherokee Bluff ahead.

Jefferson scored 95.5.

Whitewater flowed into fourth.

Mary Persons was fifth, and Heritage, Catoosa, sixth.

We have more making magic right after these words from our sponsor.

- [Announcer] DBHDD and the Governor's Red Ribbon Campaign is all about Georgians standing together for substance misuse prevention.

Life is a movie.

Film drug-free.

Learn more about healthy alternatives and live a drug lifestyle at GARedRibbon.org.

- Welcome back to our coverage of the GHSA Cheerleading State Championships.

How do your quads feel, Chelsea?

- Pretty tight and strong.

- Okay, good, lean into it.

It is time now for Quad A.

In a place where four is the driving number, how apropos that our champions won by exactly four points.

For the past decade, power oscillates in this class year after year, and the same was true in 2024.

All eyes on the mat.

♪ DHS Cats ♪ ♪ Hit me baby one more time ♪ ♪ Oh yeah, we are Dalton High School ♪ ♪ One, two, three o'clock, four o'clock rock ♪ ♪ Five, six, seven o'clock, eight o'clock rock ♪ ♪ Nine, 10, 11 o'clock, 12 o'clock rock ♪ ♪ We're gonna rock around the clock tonight ♪ ♪ I had the time of my life ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music) ♪ Tick tock ♪ ♪ Tick, tick, tick, tick tock ♪ ♪ On the clock, got to party all night ♪ ♪ Go, Cats ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ You don't wanna let the cobra die in your yard ♪ ♪ You see me coming ♪ ♪ Better bow down ♪ ♪ To surrender to me ♪ ♪ This is your last chance to surrender to me ♪ ♪ When I strike, you strike ♪ ♪ The fangs, when I strike, you strike ♪ ♪ Cobra got style ♪ ♪ I could do this all day ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ With all fear inside ♪ ♪ Union Grove High School ♪ ♪ Ooh baby that's right ♪ ♪ Harris County ♪ ♪ We are Tigers ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Harris County ♪ ♪ Oh ♪ ♪ Oh, you put me over ♪ ♪ L-O-V-E, you're gonna love me ♪ ♪ When the night ♪ ♪ Go ♪ ♪ Gonna make the sun rise ♪ ♪ Tigers ♪ ♪ Show me where your love lies ♪ ♪ Go ♪ ♪ Tell me where your love lies ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ It's time to crown the girls ♪ ♪ We're champions, that's right ♪ ♪ So you better got out the way ♪ ♪ Cambridge ♪ ♪ Let's go ♪ ♪ We're taking it ♪ ♪ Lead the way, never stray till the battle's won ♪ ♪ We got victory in hand ♪ ♪ I ain't going back ♪ ♪ The status quo be the local average Joe ♪ ♪ They don't know what it cost me to get here ♪ ♪ I ain't going back ♪ ♪ Without the gold on my sole toe exposed ♪ ♪ If I said it, there I go ♪ ♪ Let 'em know I ain't going back ♪ ♪ No, I ain't going back ♪ ♪ Let's get it, get it ♪ ♪ We run the world with it, work ♪ ♪ Keep winning, winning ♪ ♪ Me and my girls ♪ ♪ Cambridge ♪ ♪ She doesn't even go here ♪ ♪ No, you better brace yourself ♪ ♪ You better hide ♪ ♪ CHNDS Cartersville ♪ ♪ On the case, girl ♪ ♪ Ain't nothing but the facts ♪ ♪ You'll go run and tell ♪ ♪ If you don't wanna get slammed ♪ ♪ Then stay about my face ♪ ♪ Go and tell your mama ♪ ♪ Deal with trouble now ♪ ♪ 'Cause you're in trouble now ♪ ♪ When it comes to duck bill ♪ ♪ They'll be know you're envious ♪ ♪ You ♪ ♪ Know gets tonight ♪ ♪ No point in trying ♪ ♪ Better than you ♪ ♪ Never reach my planet ♪ ♪ This mountain, you can climb it ♪ ♪ Came with a hit ♪ ♪ 'Cause that's what we be doing ♪ ♪ Sound the alarm ♪ ♪ 'Cause you're about to break a trust ♪ ♪ Because nobody hiring ♪ ♪ Let the Lions come for you ♪ ♪ Love me the queen ♪ ♪ I can mess with this ♪ ♪ Dispatch ready and the subject's in our sight ♪ ♪ Send the rest of the pride ♪ ♪ When you take out ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ One, two, here we go ♪ ♪ The girls in the back don't get the pout ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ What have we got to lose ♪ ♪ Roaring through the night ♪ ♪ Waiting there inside ♪ ♪ Lions ♪ - [Narrator] Your 4A State Cheerleading Champion, Cartersville!

(audience cheering) - They are purple like royalty, 4A Champions, Cartersville, give it up for yourselves, everybody.

(team cheering) Coach Johnson, it's been about six years since your last title.

I know you've been waiting for it.

What skills are you proudest of that they executed today out there?

- They executed their entire routine.

- Entirely.

- We could not be more proud of it.

They took every correction over the past few weeks and implemented them today and it turned into a state championship and we are so proud of each and every one of them.

- It was a title-worthy performance, Coach.

Elizabeth, you're a senior now.

- Yes, ma'am.

- I saw you and your squad out there biting your medals.

What's that gold taste like?

- It tastes amazing.

We are so, so proud of it.

- [Ashley] Where are you gonna hang that thing?

- Everywhere, wherever I want.

I don't know yet.

I'll find out though.

- [Ashley] Loud and proud, you won it fair and square.

Congratulations, Cartersville.

- Let's go, Canes!

- [Ashley] Long live the queens.

Congratulations, Cartersville, who waited six long years for this moment.

Here's how the competition proceeded in Quad A. Cartersville earned 103 points.

Cambridge raced into fill second at 99.

Union Grove hit 96, with Harris County, Central Carroll, and Dalton rounding out your top six.

- Class 5A was such a powerhouse.

Shoot, if you ask me, I really think everybody should win.

I remember, Ashley, in 2022, you said, "Oh my gosh, Macintosh."

- I did say that.

- You did.

Since we weren't here last year, our viewers may not quite know that Northgate emerged victorious in 2023.

The winner this year was only three points shy of a max score.

Now let's watch how it all went down in 5A.

(singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ I'll still find you ♪ ♪ You need a time ♪ ♪ You need a place ♪ ♪ Know that like the weather ♪ ♪ I'll be up in your face ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Greyhounds ♪ ♪ Danger is my nature ♪ ♪ (indistinct) ♪ ♪ Sorry you came but danger is my nature ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Danger is my nature ♪ ♪ Don't say you weren't warned ♪ ♪ You messed with the wrong animal ♪ ♪ And now it's on ♪ ♪ We go crazy with the wolverine song ♪ ♪ We're just in the jungle and this is just the start ♪ ♪ We always do it from the heart ♪ ♪ We are Woodstock ♪ ♪ Top of the food chain ♪ ♪ You can't escape me ♪ ♪ Here comes trouble ♪ ♪ Mess with the wrong being ♪ ♪ Wolverine power is trying to get out ♪ ♪ Tearing it up and I do it in style ♪ ♪ Oh, the sky is falling away ♪ ♪ There's no where to run ♪ ♪ I see it going down ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Woodstock, GA, home of the Wolverines ♪ ♪ Tonight, we have the night ♪ ♪ We're not turning back ♪ ♪ We have the night ♪ ♪ You gonna trust and I know you choose the prayer ♪ ♪ Grizzlies do it right, baby, no one can compare ♪ ♪ We have the night ♪ ♪ We have the night ♪ ♪ I EE thank you ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Your voice inspires me, I know ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Don't give up ♪ ♪ That's when you stand, I stand ♪ ♪ And I walk it out, I walk it out ♪ ♪ I walk it out, I walk it out ♪ ♪ I walk it out, I walk it out, wow ♪ (upbeat music continues) ♪ Walking all, walking all ♪ ♪ Walking all night ♪ ♪ There she was just walking down the street ♪ ♪ Singing do wa diddy diddy dum diddy do ♪ ♪ Walking with my feet ten feet off Beale ♪ ♪ Walking in Memphis ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ That secret I'll never tell ♪ ♪ S-O-S-O ♪ ♪ That's a girl ♪ ♪ There's a rumor going round about you ♪ ♪ There's a rumor going round ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ There's a rumor going round ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ I always get my way ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ By the good doctor ♪ ♪ Get ready for your checkup ♪ ♪ You're currently running a fever ♪ ♪ We need to cool you down immediately ♪ ♪ Much better ♪ ♪ Now let's check your heart rate ♪ ♪ Perfect ♪ ♪ All vitals are stable ♪ ♪ Let's discuss those treatments ♪ ♪ Medication ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Sit back and don't be scared ♪ (singer vocalizing) ♪ It's the craziest you've ever seen ♪ (singer vocalizing) - [Announcer] Your 5A State Cheerleading Champion, Macintosh!

(audience cheering) - I am super excited to be joined by your 5A Champions, Macintosh.

Give it up for yourselves.

(team cheering) Coach Shannon, congratulations.

I had an opportunity to interview you back in 2019 and you spoke to me about the incredible team concept.

You told me that these ladies were born for it, and now once again, that team concept has led you to another championship.

Talk to us about this year's concept.

- This year we didn't just talk the talk, we walked the walk and our theme was walk and they walked with each other the entire season and they took one step closer to getting toward the score that we needed.

Point five, one point every single week, they believed in each other and they believed in the process and they went out there and they walked the walk.

- Absolutely, incredible tears of joy, Alicia, I see from you.

Speak to us about what was that real thing that just set it off and clinched this championship for you all.

- Just like our mat talk and our energy out on the floor, it truly felt like it was just us on that floor with my 16 best friends for one final time.

And I just wanna scream and shout and say, "Oh my gosh, Macintosh."

(team laughing) - [Chelsea] Well, go ahead, ladies, scream and shout for yourself then.

(team cheering) So Macintosh can restart their 5A streak with the highest score of the competition so far.

- Woo.

- A thrilling 105.

One painful point behind with a sensational second place show, Houston County at 104.

Creekview scored 101 to take third.

Woodstock finished fourth, with South Effingham and Pope nipping at their heels, all incredible performances in 5A.

- You're telling me, Chelsea.

In 6A, the talent was too close for comfort.

The top six all scored within 3 1/2 points of each other, yet it's as if the 2023 champion said, "You can't sit here," and meant it.

This team came to conquer.

My summary note was "chills," not because I was cold, that's Chelsea's department.

I was actually sweating.

TMI, I'll say less.

6A, you may take the floor.

♪ This girl is back ♪ ♪ Let's go ♪ ♪ Here we go ♪ ♪ Freak out ♪ ♪ Freak out ♪ ♪ We are family ♪ ♪ All my brother, sisters and me ♪ ♪ We are family ♪ ♪ Get up everybody and sing ♪ ♪ I was petrified ♪ ♪ Kept thinking I could never leave without you by my side ♪ ♪ I spent so many nights ♪ ♪ Thinking how you did me wrong ♪ ♪ I grew strong ♪ ♪ And I learned how to get along ♪ ♪ No, not I ♪ ♪ I will survive ♪ ♪ Oh, as long as I know how to love ♪ ♪ I know I'll stay alive ♪ ♪ I've got all my life to live ♪ ♪ I've got so much love to give ♪ ♪ I'll survive ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ In my sights, ooh ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Blurred in my vision ♪ ♪ W-O-L-V-E-S ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ 'Cause I'm hungry like a wolf ♪ ♪ Hungry like a wolf ♪ (singer vocalizing) ♪ I'm hungry like a wolf ♪ ♪ Hungry like a wolf ♪ ♪ Emergency, I'm hungry like a wolf ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ I've got this ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ No way to bring on the chaos ♪ ♪ And they don't ever stop ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ We're on a mission ♪ ♪ You know we staying pretty ♪ ♪ Taking what we want ♪ ♪ And we're always looking pretty ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Every night, let's go ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Everybody, everybody ♪ ♪ Take my hand ♪ ♪ Let's go ♪ ♪ Mill Creek pride, that's the Mill Creek way ♪ ♪ And we soar way high ♪ ♪ No matter what they say ♪ ♪ Hawks never back down ♪ ♪ Eyes on the prize ♪ ♪ I'm so crazy, I'm so crazy ♪ ♪ I'm so crazy, I'm so crazy ♪ ♪ Oh ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ You hurry, now you got to witness the best ♪ ♪ It's insane, look at me ♪ ♪ Let's go, pull back ♪ ♪ You shot the (indistinct) ♪ ♪ Now it's time for us to fight back ♪ ♪ Tonight we're gonna get it right ♪ ♪ And make it last forever and ever ♪ ♪ This time (indistinct) ♪ ♪ Always and forever ♪ ♪ North Paulding ♪ ♪ Don't play around ♪ ♪ Don't make that ugly sound ♪ ♪ Welcome to the start ♪ ♪ With the crown on top ♪ ♪ Put a good fight on ♪ ♪ Do it now ♪ ♪ Till the victory is won ♪ ♪ Let's get it done ♪ ♪ Whoa, man ♪ ♪ Hey, honey, let's go ♪ ♪ If I could fly ♪ ♪ Surge me up, hills and mountains ♪ ♪ I want to burn the open skies ♪ ♪ More than anything ♪ ♪ More then anything in this world ♪ - [Announcer] Your 6A State Cheerleading Champion, North Forsyth!

(audience cheering) - I'm here with 6A defending champions, North Forsyth.

Congratulations.

- [All] Thank you!

- They said that in perfect unison.

I actually had chills out there, you guys.

I was blushing a little bit.

You really brought it today.

- Thank you.

- You brought it.

Coach Wood, what is significant about this win at this specific time for this team?

- I think all year we've been really focused on making sure that we kept us the center of the focus.

We focused on those tiny details, they put in the work, and they just knew that they were gonna go and do it and we did it.

- [Ashley] Did you know when they got off the mat today that they had won?

- We didn't know.

We knew that they had done everything that they possibly could and we were absolutely 100% so proud of them, and outside of that we can't control it, but this feels so, so, so good.

- It was what you wanted.

If you'll pass the mic to Brynn there.

Brynn, what makes your team of athletes unique?

You practice together, you perform together, you win state titles together.

Why are you unique?

- I think that we're all really bonded.

Like if you were to come to one of our practices, our main like saying is that we're all in this together and we like put that into every practice that like everyone is doing this routine together and at the end of the day we win and we lose together so I think it like has made the outcome of both these seasons.

- Absolutely, congratulations North Forsyth.

Big cheers all around.

(team cheering) Say it with me Chelsea, "Oops, they did it again."

♪ Oops, they did it again ♪ - Oh, I didn't know you were gonna sing that, thank you.

North Forsyth took home a twofer, the Raider's second trophy in sequence.

They held a two-point lead over runners-up Hillgrove, with 102.5.

Mill Creek was just a half point behind in third.

Another half point behind Mill Creek were North Paulding, and my alma mater, Buford, go Wolves.

Both scored 101.5, and Carrollton lands in sixth, still with a very high score of 101.

I'd like to up the ante now.

How about you Chelsea?

- With you, always.

- Thank you so much.

In the powerhouse co-ed classification, we've arrived.

The max score is five points higher than all-girl, jumping from 108 to 113.

Here we saw the most points accrue and some of the most competitive skills as well.

Walton held bragging rights from last season, But what they have their rights revoked by a newcomer to co-ed?

We give you the grand finale.

(upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) ♪ Am I the only one ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Bye, bye, bye ♪ ♪ Bye, bye, bye ♪ ♪ Go tell the world, make it understand ♪ ♪ As long as there're be music ♪ ♪ We'll be coming back again ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Raiders ♪ ♪ Do it with the letter on my shoulders ♪ ♪ The letter on my ♪ ♪ 'Cause I'm strong ♪ ♪ I can do whatever I wanna do ♪ ♪ Don't matter, baby, I can do it better than you ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ It is our time right down to the hour ♪ ♪ We got it all ♪ ♪ Got the power ♪ ♪ And you can't stop us knowing we ♪ ♪ Set the world on fire ♪ ♪ And it can get much higher ♪ ♪ Set, set, set, set, set the world, world, world, world ♪ ♪ On fire, fire, fire ♪ ♪ Set the world on fire ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Walton High School ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ This is out battle cry ♪ ♪ And we just got started ♪ ♪ If you're not a Hornet, I'm sorry, it's not your day ♪ ♪ I've got somebody ♪ ♪ I'm being a girl all night ♪ ♪ Because it's do or die ♪ ♪ Set the world on fire ♪ ♪ Let's do the sky ♪ ♪ If you're ready for the night ♪ ♪ LC, my name, but we don't take groves ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Fight with everything we know ♪ ♪ Welcome to our empire ♪ ♪ This is our home ♪ ♪ Welcome to our empire ♪ ♪ This is our home ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ It will be done ♪ ♪ I trust you as your majesty ♪ ♪ Eyes are on my now ♪ ♪ Pay attention, I'm gonna show you how ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ No, I'm not giving up ♪ ♪ To the skies ♪ ♪ All right, went too high ♪ ♪ You're gonna take us down tonight ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Anything that comes my way ♪ ♪ Way, way ♪ ♪ No mountain too steep ♪ ♪ No reason to be ♪ ♪ No moment is too big for me ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ I'm at the top ♪ ♪ This team can ♪ ♪ Nice time ♪ ♪ Looking at your boyfriend ♪ ♪ Coming hard and overcharged ♪ ♪ And then who we reckon ♪ ♪ We're on the prowl tonight ♪ ♪ You'd better look out ♪ ♪ We got our eyes on (indistinct) ♪ (singer vocalizing) ♪ It's only a matter of time ♪ ♪ Till you're scared of our team ♪ ♪ There rules are here ♪ ♪ So you'd better be game ♪ ♪ (indistinct) ♪ ♪ We will never be tamed ♪ (singer vocalizing) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Girl, I got your boyfriend ♪ - [Announcer] Your Co-Ed State Cheerleading Champion, South Forsyth!

(audience cheering) - After just talking with North Forsyth, I'm interviewing the co-ed champions South Forsyth.

What is going on in Forsyth County?

I'm about to find out.

This is not your first rodeo, coach.

We have got to keep meeting like this.

- Yes, I agree.

- I really like it.

- Tell me, you've had so many titles, so many wins that have touched your heart.

Why does this one hit different?

- These 18 kids sitting right in front of you, we have a very special story, which I won't go into, but they know our story, our parents know our story, our community knows our story, and these kids came in from day one and did everything we asked them to do and begged for more critiques and more corrections and the reason that we are here is because of these 18 kids.

- Thank you, coach.

- There's nothing else to say.

- Begging for corrections, as she gets choked up.

Rylie, I have to ask you this.

You're starting something new here and you might be repeat winners again, so I think it's time you start a winning tradition.

How about you celebrate this championship?

- We are gonna celebrate this championship by really taking our bus ride home and spending the rest of the night together, and our bond on our team is so special, so I can't wait to keep celebrating all the way until our ring ceremony.

- Sounds good to me.

That's Co-Ed Champions, South Forsyth, congratulations.

(team cheering) Talk about intense.

With a one point upset, Chelsea, South Forsyth stole the show in co-ed with this year's top score 109.

Prior champions, Walton, still secured second place with 108.

Denmark's final position was third.

Roswell found fourth with 101.5, and East Coweta and Lambert ranked fifth and sixth respectively.

- Now if my math checks out, that means that we've actually named nine championships in all nine classifications?

- That is correct, Chelsea, yes.

- Then that would mean cheerleading is- - Oh, don't say it.

Don't say the words Chelsea, no.

Let's just say that it is a high-flying, heart-filled privilege to cover Georgia's talented cheer athletes.

- I like.

- That's it.

Thank you to the GHSA for inviting us out for the show this year.

You could see the future, Chelsea.

Tell us, what's next.

- Let me, it's all coming back to me now.

I see that we will return matside in 2025.

- Oh, I'm so glad to hear it.

She has an incredible gift.

- I do, I do.

On behalf of Ashley and GPB Sports, I'm Chelsea Tafoya.

2025, bring it on.

Bye-Bye.

- Bye.

(upbeat music) (upbeat music continues) - [Announcer] DBHDD and the Governor's Red Ribbon Campaign is all about Georgians standing together for substance misuse prevention.

Life is a movie.

Film drug-free.

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